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Minor genetic change creates unattractive female moths
Sex pheromones are used across the insect world. They are chemical compounds that are released by an organism to attract potential mates. For moths sex pheromones are incredibly important for recognising a mate and they are completely reliant upon scents rather than visuals when attracting a mate. However, there is still little known about the […]
The biggest moth in the world,
The Atlas moth is the largest moth in the world, with a wing span stretching up to 27 centimetres across. To put that in perspective, that is larger than a human handspan. It is native to China, Malaysia, India and Indonesia and its name is originated from the Titan God of Greek Mythology. It is […]
Toxic caterpillar invasion spiralling out of control
Conservationists are battling a ‘phenomenal’ invasion of toxic caterpillars and they have warned that their numbers are spiralling out of control. Millions of pounds have been invested into attempts to prevent the spread of Oak Processionary Moths (OPM) since they arrived in London in 2006. The caterpillars can cause asthma attacks, skin rashes and sickness […]
Camouflage moth spotted in Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, a small camouflaged moth has been discovered at the Giant’s Causeway. The tiny caterpillar has wrapped itself up in a protective case of silk and had blended in with the materials around it, making it almost impossible to see. It is the first time that the species has been spotted in Ireland. […]
Pantry Moths: What you need to know.
The Pantry Moth, also known as the Indian Meal Moth, feeds on dried foods such as grains, wheat, dried fruit, nuts and flour. They are often that small and pale that we cannot see them and may be eating them without knowing. The female moth will lay around 400 eggs in the area, or even […]
What is the difference between a moth and a butterfly?
Both moths and butterflies belong to the Lepidoptera, but there are many physical and behavioural differences between the two. With regards to their behaviour, butterflies are diurnal (active during the day) whereas moths are nocturnal. When resting, butterflies tend to rest their wings back, while moths flatten them against their body. The pupal stage is […]
The British ‘death moth’
New research has found a species of moth, found in the UK, uses Cyanide to warn off predators. The Six-Spot Burnet Moth is covered in in red spots to warn off predators and can be found across the UK including Cornwall. This moth is unlikely to attack humans and even if it did it’s unlikely […]
The smallest moth in the world
The Stigmella maya has a wingspan of 2.5mm and is the smallest moth known to science. But how small do you need to be to be classed as a micro-moth? Mico-moths are the smallest moths in the world and usually have a wingspan measuring less than 20mm. As they are so tiny, they are incredibly […]
Destructive winter moths
Operophtera brumata, commonly called the Winter Moth is an insect that can be rather destructive to fruit trees and ornamental trees. Trees commonly found with damage caused by this moth are beech, flowering cherries, cotoneaster, crab apples, dogwoods, hawthorns, sycamores and willows. The damage is caused is caused by the female which emerges from the […]
5 Wonderful & Weird Moths
Luna moth The Luna moth has beautiful, shimmering green wings with “tails”. This type of moth does not have a mouth and its sole purpose is mating! Hummingbird Hawkmoth The Hummingbird Hawkmoth looks very much like a Hummingbird, hence the name. It hums when it flies, and hovers and it feeds […]